23 Best Plants to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard (2024)

Gardening

Wild Birds

• 01 of 23

  Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

  

  The long-blooming perennial bee balm (Monarda didyma) is a fine choice for plants in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. This member of the mint family with red or light purple blooms likes soil that is slightly acidic and on the moist side. It reaches a maximum of 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide (many cultivars are smaller). Full sun in the North is best; in the South, give it partial shade.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
  • Flower Color Varieties: Red, purple, pink, white, lavender
  • Light: Full, partial
  • Soil Needs: Rich, moist
  • Mature Size: 10–48 in. tall, 10–36 in. wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 02 of 23

  Phlox (Phlox paniculata)

  

  Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) bears fragrant flowers that draw hummingbirds to yards in zones 4 to 8. These perennials can give you a number of different looks, including the variegated leaves of 'Nora Leigh' (24 to 36 inches tall with a width about half that) and the white flowers of the mildew-resistant 'David' cultivar (3 to 4 feet tall, spreading about 2 to 3 feet) that make it a good moon garden plant. Give garden phlox full sun in the North and partial sun in the South.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
  • Flower Color Varieties: Lavender, lilac, pink, purple, salmon, white
  • Light: Full, partial
  • Soil Needs: Moist but well-drained
  • Mature Size: 2 to 4 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 03 of 23

  Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadense)

  

  See Also

  Butterfly Bush - Ask ExtensionWhy Gardeners Love Butterfly Bush, and Ecologists Hate ItButterfly bush identification and control: Buddleia davidii - King County, WashingtonBuddleja davidii Profile – California Invasive Plant Council

  Red columbine (Aquilegia canadense) is a 2-foot-tall perennial for zones 3 to 8. Its blooms are showy and timely and are perfect for attracting hummingbirds just beginning to return north from their winter homes. Columbine performs well in partial shade.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
  • Flower Color Varieties: Red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, violet, pink, white
  • Light: Full, partial
  • Soil Needs: Sandy, loamy, moist but well-drained; slightly acidic
  • Mature Size: 1-3 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 04 of 23

  Blue lupine (Lupinus perennis)

  

  Blue lupine (Lupinus perennis) is native to North America; grow it in zones 3 to 8. Two feet tall when in bloom, this plant isn't as showy as the non-native lupines, but native plant enthusiasts will gladly give up a little pizzazz to see hummingbirds sipping nectar from a made-in-America perennial. Give it full sun in the North, and partial shade in the South.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
  • Flower Color Varieties: Blue; sometimes white or pinkish
  • Light: Full
  • Soil Needs: Dry to average moisture, well-drained soil
  • Mature Size: 2–24 inches tall, 12–18 inches wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

  Continue to 5 of 23 below

• 05 of 23

  Larkspur (Delphinium)

  

  Larkspur (Delphinium) is a traditional favorite that supplies hummingbirds with food. Their value also comes from the heights they reach. Some delphiniums can be grown in zones 3 to 9, often up to 7 feet tall.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
  • Flower Color Varieties: Blue, pink, purple, white
  • Light: Full, partial
  • Soil Needs: Moist loam, well-draining
  • Mature Size: 6 in. to 7 ft. fall
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 06 of 23

  Hollyhocks (Alcea)

  

  Sun-loving hollyhocks (Alcea) often outgrow even the delphiniums and are hardy to zone 3. Despite technically being biennials, hollyhocks self-seed so well that they are usually treated as perennials. Both delphiniums and hollyhocks come in a variety of colors and, due to their stately stature, are an excellent choice to form a back row in a tiered perennial bed.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-10
  • Flower Color Varieties: White, pink, red, yellow, lavender
  • Light: Full, partial
  • Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
  • Mature Size: Typically up to 8 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
  • Deer Resistant: Somewhat

• 07 of 23

  Crocosmia 'Lucifer'

  

  Seek the 'Lucifer' cultivar of Crocosmia (30 to 36 inches tall and about half as wide) for flowers in the orange-to-red color range. This South African native is "for the birds," while rabbit pests avoid it. Crocosmia plants spring out of corms and should be grown in full sun to partial shade in zones 5 to 9.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9
  • Flower Color Varieties: Red, yellow, orange
  • Light: Full, partial
  • Soil Needs: Well-drained
  • Mature Size: 2-3 feet high
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 08 of 23

  Salvia (Salvia nemorosa)

  

  Cold-hardy to zone 4, Salvia nemorosa is usually known for its spikes of bluish or purplish flowers. But this perennial salvia also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Many cultivars are available. Size is commonly 18 to 24 inches in height, with a similar spread. The leaves are lance-shaped and give off a pungent aroma. Give Salvia nemorosa full sun and adequate water, and deadhead it, and it will provide color all summer long.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
  • Flower Color Varieties: Lavender to violet blue
  • Light: Full
  • Soil Needs: Moist, well-draining
  • Mature Size: 18 to 24 inches in height, with a similar spread
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

  Continue to 9 of 23 below

• 09 of 23

  Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)

  

  The plants are small, and the flowers are even smaller, but Heuchera spp. attract hummingbirds. 'Blondie' is a cultivar of coral bells with yellow flowers for zones 4 to 9. This perennial can take full sun. It's a small (5 inches when not in bloom) plant, useful at the front of a perennial border.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
  • Flower Color Varieties: Red, white, pink, orange
  • Light: Full, partial
  • Soil Needs: Rich, moist but well-drained
  • Mature Size: 8–18 in. tall, 12–24 in. wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 10 of 23

  Impatient Lucy (Impatiens)

  

  Impatiens is a bedding plant that draws hummingbirds. This small annual will grow in the shade, allowing you to attract hummingbirds to your yard even if you have a small property and don't get much sun on your land. Impatient Lucy doesn't get much bigger than a foot tall and commonly flowers in white, red, pink, violet, coral, or purple.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
  • Flower Color Varieties: White, red, pink, orange, purple, yellow
  • Light: Partial sun, full shade
  • Soil Needs: Well-draining; acidic
  • Mature Size: 6–36 in. tall; 1–3 ft. wide
  • Deer Resistant: No

• 11 of 23

  Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)

  

  A shrub that has a prime place in sunnyhummingbird gardensis Buddleia davidii (though it should be treated as a herbaceousperennial rather than a shrub). For some gardens, it can become too large, so pruning the butterfly bush will be necessary in late winter or early spring. It can be invasivein some areas, including the Pacific Northwest. A new cultivar, 'Blue Chip,' is touted as a non-invasive alternative.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
  • Flower Color Varieties: Purple, pink, blue, white, yellow
  • Light: Full
  • Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained soil
  • Mature Size: 3–12 ft. tall, 3-8-ft. wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 12 of 23

  Rhododendron

  

  Catawba rhododendron shrubs (Rhododendron catawbiense) arebroadleafevergreen bushes with dark-green, leathery foliage. They bear spectacular flowers in the spring that are effectivefor attracting hummingbirds.This rhododendron shrubis easy to transplant, but, like other rhododendrons, it does require acidicsoil.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
  • Flower Color Varieties: White, lavender, rose, or red
  • Light: Partial sun to full shade
  • Soil Needs: Fertile, well-drained; acidic
  • Mature Size: 6-8 ft. tall,4-6 ft. wide
  • Deer Resistant: No

  Warning

  Rhododendron is toxic to people, dogs, cats, and other pets.

  See Also

  In the Garden: Bright colors attract butterflies

  Continue to 13 of 23 below

• 13 of 23

  Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)

  

  Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a late-bloomingshrub with an upright growing habit that can reach a height of 8 to 10 feet with a spread of 4 to 6 feet. These bushes profit from pruning and do their best in full sun. Blooms can be red, pink, purple, blue, or white. They work wellin shrub borders in zones 5 to 9.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8
  • Flower Color Varieties: Pink, purple, lavender, red, blue, white; often with dark throats
  • Light: Full, partial
  • Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained; acidic
  • Mature Size: 8–12 ft. tall, 6–10 ft. wide
  • Deer Resistant: Somewhat

• 14 of 23

  Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

  

  Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) produces orange or reddish-orange to salmon flowers throughout most summer months in zones 4 to 9. It does best in full sun to partial shade. Provide this 40-foot-tall vine with anarbor, trellis, or fence, and let it climb. This vigorous vine must be pruned back to keep it "within bounds." Indeed, even in the southeastern U.S. (to which it is native), this vine is sometimes considered a weed. It may be too aggressive or invasive for many gardeners, so do not grow it if you do not want it popping up all over your yard.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
  • Flower Color Varieties: Orange, red, yellow
  • Light: Full, partial
  • Soil Needs: Average, moist but well-drained
  • Mature Size: 25–40 ft. long, 5–10 ft. wide
  • Deer Resistant: No

• 15 of 23

  Trumpet Honeysuckle

  

  Honeysuckle vines can be grown in full sun to partial shade. Magnifica honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens 'Magnifica'), with its large, scarlet flowers that attract hummingbirds, can be grown in zones 3 to 9. Unlike the trumpet vine, this 10-to-20-foot plant is a true creeper, meaning more maintenance is required to climb a trellis, achieving the best display. Some species of honeysuckle are invasive, so be mindful when choosing one for your garden.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9 (varies by species)
  • Flower Color Varieties: Yellow, pink, peach, red, and creamy white
  • Light: Full, partial
  • Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained
  • Mature Size: Up to 25 feet (some species)
  • Deer Resistant: Depends on the species

• 16 of 23

  Cardinal Climber (Ipomoea x multifida)

  

  As its name suggests,the cardinal climber(Ipomoea x multifida) has a striking red bloom. This 6-to-15-foot vine must be treated as an annual north of zone 6. Grow it in full sun. A more commonly grown plant in the same genus that attracts hummingbirds is Ipomoea tricolor 'Heavenly Blue.' The latter is the annual vines famous for bearing those wonderfully sky-blue flowers on vines 10 feet tall.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 12
  • Flower Color Varieties: Red
  • Light: Full, partial
  • Soil Needs: Well-drained
  • Mature Size: 6-15 ft. long,9-2 in. wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

  Continue to 17 of 23 below

• 17 of 23

  Lantana (Lantana camara)

  

  Lantana plants (Lantana camara) are perennials inzones8 to 10, where they become 6 feet tall, with a spread of 8 feet. But, in colder climates,Lantana plants are often used as annuals for hanging baskets and stay much smaller. The 'Spreading Sunset' cultivar has a flower head with gold centers surrounded by an orange that later fades to pink. Like most of the entries on the list, these plants are sun lovers.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 to 11
  • Flower Color Varieties: Red, orange, yellow, blue, white, pink
  • Light: Full
  • Soil Needs: Well-drained
  • Mature Size: 6 ft. high and wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 18 of 23

  Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)

  

  Another hummingbird magnet commonly found in hanging baskets in the North is Fuchsia. Unlike Lantana, this one should be grown in the shade. It is even more tender than Lantana (zone 10 or 11). Flower color is commonly pink, purple, red, white, or violet and the most popular types have bi-colored flowers. It is shrubby and becomes 1 to 2 feet tall and wide.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
  • Flower Color Varieties: Red, pink, white, violet, purple
  • Light: Partial, shade
  • Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
  • Mature Size: 1 to 2 ft. tall, with a similar spread
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 19 of 23

  Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin)

  

  Atreethat attracts hummingbirds is thesilk tree, or "mimosa" (Albizia julibrissin). It's a member of the pea family. This vigorous Chinese exotic quickly naturalizes at the southern end of its range in areas. It is considered an invasive plant in the southeastern U.S. Its puffy, pink flowers are aromatic, and its nectar attracts hummingbirds in zones 6 to 9. It stands 20 to 40 feet with a canopy as wide as 50 feet. Locate this tree in full sun to partial shade.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9
  • Flower Color Varieties: Pink
  • Light: Full, partial
  • Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
  • Mature Size: 20-40 ft. tall, 20-50 ft. wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 20 of 23

  Beardtongue (Penstemon)

  

  Beardtongue is a member of the Penstemon genus, which contains more than 250 beardtongue species. Beardtongue offers a variety of hues including purple, blue, orange, red, yellow, pink, and white. Herbaceous perennials, beardtongues have lance-shaped foliage and tubular flowers. Beardtongue gets its name from the pollen-free stamen that sticks out from its flower.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
  • Flower Color Varieties: Purple, blue, orange, red, yellow, pink, white
    
  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil Needs: Well-drained
  • Mature Size: 6 in. to 8 ft. tall and 8 to 20 in. wide
    
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

  Continue to 21 of 23 below

• 21 of 23

  Mandevilla (Mandevilla spp.)

  

  Fragrant mandevilla, also known as rocktrumpet, sprouts five-petal trumpet-shaped flowers that come in shades of pink, red, and white. If grown in their designated USDA zones, mandevilla plants can be grown as perennials. If being grown outside of zones 10 to 11, these do great as container plants. Mandevilla are fairly low-maintenance, so long as their growing conditions are met: plenty of light, warmth, and moisture.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
  • Flower Color Varieties: Pink, red, white
    
  • Light: Full, partial
  • Soil Needs: Moist but well-drained
  • Mature Size: 3–10 ft. tall, 3–4 ft. wide
    
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 22 of 23

  Passionflower (Passiflora spp.)

  

  There are many varieties of passionflowers, with most being classified as vines. However, some passionflowers are considered to be shrubs, annuals,perennials, and trees. Passionflowers can be toxic, depending on the type, so be careful if you have a home with children or pets.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 to 10
  • Flower Color Varieties: Purple, blue, pink, red, white
    
  • Light: Full to partial
  • Soil Needs: Moist but well-drained
  • Mature Size: 10–30 ft. tall, 3–6 ft. wide
    
  • Deer Resistant: Yes, depending on the variety

• 23 of 23

  Hummingbird Bush (Flame Acanthus)

  The hummingbird bush, also known as flame acanthus, blooms vibrant red to orange tubular flowers. It's a low-maintenance shrub that needs lots of sunlight. It's also great to grow in pots or containers. It's best planted during the fall after the summer heat has passed.

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 to 10
  • Flower Color Varieties: Red, orange
  • Light: Full sun, partial shade
  • Soil Needs: Well-drained
  • Mature Size: Up to 5 ft. tall
    
  • Deer Resistant: Yes